Oniiwa Park

Overview

Oniiwa Park spans Kani District's Mitsuke-cho and Mizunami City in Gifu Prefecture. A part of the Hida-Kiso National Park, it offers breathtaking views of granite boulders weathered by wind and snow, creating a stunning contrast with the surrounding greenery. Located near the headwaters of the Kani River, a tributary of the Kiso River, the park features numerous giant rocks and oddly shaped stones formed over millions of years of erosion. It's also known for its azaleas and maple trees, particularly famous for its autumn foliage. Near the summit of Eboshi-iwa Rock, a waterfall sometimes appears after heavy rain, a few times a year. The name "Oniiwa" (Devil's Rock) originates from a legend dating back over 800 years, telling of a demon named Seki no Taro who inhabited this rocky mountain. Seki no Taro is said to have terrorized locals and travelers along the Tokaido Road, eventually being slain by soldiers under the command of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Besides Oniiwa, other places like Oni no Iwaya (Devil's Cave), Oni no Kubizuka (Devil's Head Mound—where the demon's head was supposedly buried), Taro-iwa, Manaita-iwa, and Kubisenaike Pond are named after this legend. Oniiwa Park features numerous *ryokan* (traditional Japanese inns) with a hot spring atmosphere, along with restaurants and souvenir shops nearby. Legend says that these hot springs were discovered by the Zen priest, Hopo Genkun Daisenji, when he noticed a wounded white eagle bathing in them during his travels. Oniiwa Park is a place filled with history and romance, where you can experience both nature and legend. Why not immerse yourself in the majestic natural beauty and ponder the ancient tales?